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that there isn't much here in the way of single player? Everything I've read leads me to believe this is primarily designed for PBEM.

the AI stinks, but I havent beat an online player yet. [:D]

The AI is limited for sure, but it is not a bad way to learn the ropes. The PBEM is managed within the game - there is a multiplayer 'lobby' where you can access your current games, create new games etc. - and is incredibly straightforward and very good fun.

ORIGINAL: tgb

that there isn't much here in the way of single player? Everything I've read leads me to believe this is primarily designed for PBEM.

I wouldn't avoid buying the game just because the AI is weak. This is a very good game and even though you can win most of the time against the AI it still can be challenging and is good excersize in learning to play the game and developing skills. However, The pbem system is extremely easy to use and will give you all the challenge you will be looking for. Playing pbem won't let you zoom through a battle (unless you have an opponent who is eager to play) but I think you will find out it provides a lot of fun. And if you schedule several games at one time against several opponents then you will find yourself quite busy. And believe me, pbem challenges get snatched up very quickly so you shouldn't have any trouble finding an opponent.

One more point. I, like many other gamers, was never one to play much pbem or online games, prefering to play solitaire or against a few friends. But with FoG I have found playing pbem using their extemely easy system is as close to having a human AI as you are going to get. I routinely beat the game's AI but after playing several pbem games, I've managed to tie one battle and have lost all the rest. I'm still learning the game mechanics but having a geat time while doing so.

So if you are an ancients fan and looking for a great game that is easy to play but still gives a substantial amount of detail, then I would strongly recommend Field of Glory. It isn't perfect but it is the most fun ancients game I have seen yet. And don't be shy about playing pbem. It's a very easy and very enjoyable experience.

There is no AI to speak of, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun.

Have to disagree. The AI is typical for this type of "battle" game, on a par with the tactical AI in say FOF. Once the human player learns the game he should be able to beat it on "neutral" difficulty so long as he concentrates. But this is true for most games. Will an experienced human player lose many even odds tactical battles in FOF or COG ?? I have not played other than on "neutral" difficulty, and I find the AI fine. There aren't many "grand tactical" or "battle"games in which the human player consistantly loses to the AI.

I disagree, no concentration required.  Just read this. http://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15344
 
But the point is, unless you ramp up the AI difficulty, this isn't a single player game, period.  But personally I don't like having to give the AI loaded dice to provide a challenge.  AI is good for learning the ropes, that's about it.  Or, just for casual beer & pretzels fun, I'll give it that if you really want only a single player experience.